With all the confusion regarding when and how the guidelines will change, it can be difficult to know how to protect your skin against the sun at the beach or during outdoor workouts. Here are some useful tips to help you have a skin safe summer.

For more than 30 years, The Skin Cancer Foundation has provided helpful information so people can develop a complete sun protection regimen. Here are several of their recommendations.

Limit sun activities in favor of the shade between the peak sun hours of 10 AM and 4 PM if possible.

Wear sunscreen regularly with an SPF of 15 or higher applying it 30 minutes before going outside using at least one ounce (two tablespoons) and reapplying every two hours and after swimming and excessive sweating during exercise.

Cover up with lightweight clothing (sun protective when possible) including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Avoid burning, keep newborns and babies up to six months of age (who shouldn't use sunscreen) out of the sun, and avoid tanning and UV tanning salons.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a non-profit organization working to use the "power of public information to protect public health and the environment." To that end, they have compiled information to help consumers make the best choices for their skin including sunscreen. When selecting sunscreen, EWG recommends sunscreen containing either zinc or titanium. They also suggest avoiding products that contain ozybenzone or vitamin A as well as limiting use of those in spray or powder form. Considering a Massachusetts man recently caught fire after applying a spray type sunscreen, it is good advice to pay attention to more than just the price.

I have always been really bad about using sunscreen, but have been trying to be diligent now. I burn easily and seem to burn more as I get older. I hope they can come up with some better spray-ons, though, because I am alone and I can't reach all the exposed skin to put on the sunscreen.
- 6/26/2012 8:52:56 PM

I've always been very sun tolerant as long as I was just careful, but after the second steroid shot in my foot, I got a horrible burn on my face... Now I HAVE to be more careful than I ever was before. Thank you for all this excellent advice:)
- 6/26/2012 9:08:47 AM

I recently started using spray sunscreen - it makes getting out for a run after work easier, because applying spray sunscreen takes less time than applying lotion, and I'm trying to wear sunscreen each time I go out. But now I'm re-considering (and to be honest, the fumes are pretty awful, too...). - 6/25/2012 12:11:50 PM

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